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Cybersecurity - How to Protect Your Computer From Hackers

Cybersecurity is a multi-layered process. Think of each tool put in place to protect your data as a wall, and each “wall” is part of your “cyber fortress.” The more walls you have in place, the harder it is for cybercriminals to breach your network and your data. Installing a single anti-virus program is no longer sufficient to protect against hackers. The good news is that there are many small steps you can take right now. Here’s how to protect your computer from hackers:

  • Install Antivirus Software – Cyberattacks on small to midsized businesses have gone up by more than 400% in recent years. Antivirus software can identify viruses and malware, and pre-emptively stop a cyberattack
  • Keep Your Antivirus Program Up to Date – New viruses flood cyberspace every day. Continuously updating virus definitions is critical to staying current with the necessary protections
  • Use Strong and Unique Passwords – “One-password-fits-all” isn’t safe anymore. It might be more convenient to use one password for every account, but it also makes hacking your accounts more convenient for cybercriminals. A password manager is a good tool for creating unique and complicated passwords and managing them for you. This way, you will have strong passwords at your disposal, and you won’t have to remember all of them
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Authenticating with two different credentials for login or transactions adds a simple, additional layer of security at no extra cost
  • Confirm You Are Using a Firewall – Firewalls can prevent unauthorized access to your business network and alert you to potential cyber threats. Firewalls alone are no longer sufficient overall protection, but they’re part of the first-line layer of protection that should be part of any cybersecurity plan
  • Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – A VPN is another cost-effective way to secure your online activities. VPNs encrypt your data and create a network “tunnel” within your network. They disguise your identity and your location. A would-be hacker will see only garbled text and the IP address of the VPN server. You and your data are hidden
  • Install All Updates – It’s essential to keep your operating system, browser and apps up to date. Many updates contain security fixes from the developers. And don’t forget printer security. It will have updates too
  • Ignore Spam – The best practice with all spam is to ignore it. As curious as you might be and as appealing as an offer might look, move on without opening it
  • Shut Down Your Computer Every Day – Unattended computers left open are an invitation for internal or external cybercriminals to breach your data. Shutting down at the end of every day should be part of your company’s basic cybersecurity best practices
  • Ensure Your Network is Secure – Cybersecurity, especially in the business world, isn’t for amateurs. Your small or midsized business (SMB) should enlist IT experts to evaluate your network security to be sure you have the proper layers of protection in place to secure your hard-earned business data
  • Secure All Devices – Securing mobile devices must be included in your overall cybersecurity plan. Even printer security must be considered, as every device represents an endpoint through which hackers can attack your network

Q: What is the most effective way to protect your device from hackers?

A: Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Unique and strong passwords make it more difficult for hackers to crack them using a brute force or guessing technique. Adding MFA provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, an attacker still cannot access the account without the second verification step.

Securing Mobile Devices

These additional steps should be standard best practices for protecting your mobile devices from cyberattacks:

Don’t Use Public WiFi – Securing mobile devices starts with avoiding public WiFi. Unless you have a reliable VPN installed on your phone, tablet or laptop, skip it. Nearby hackers are ready, willing and able to steal your private data when you log on through a public WiFi network.

Turn Off Bluetooth When Not Using It – Leaving your Bluetooth “On” and dormant supplies another access point for cybercriminals.

Install Antivirus/Spyware Apps – Just as you protect your network and your PC, you need to install cyber defenses to protect laptops, cell phones and tablets.

Strengthen Your Phone’s Passcode – Choose six-character passcodes over four-character ones and avoid using passcodes that are simple to remember. Unfortunately, they’re often the ones that are easiest to hack.

Routinely Clear Your Browsing History – Clearing your browsing history on a regular basis is a simple way to reduce what information can be gleaned about your online activities.

Do Not Use Auto-Complete – Auto-complete learns to complete words that you type repeatedly. It can also take some of the guesswork out of attacking your data.

Q: Why is public WiFi considered risky, and how can you use it safely?

A: Public WiFi networks are often unsecured, making them a prime target for hackers, who can intercept your data using techniques like “man-in-the-middle” attacks. For safer public WiFi use, install a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts your internet connection and hides your online activity from potential attackers. Additionally, avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as online banking, while connected to public WiFi, and always ensure that websites use HTTPS encryption.

How Do You Protect Laptops, Desktops and Other Devices from Hackers?

True cybersecurity requires a multifaceted, layered approach that backs up your system, encrypts data, sniffs out viruses, protects laptops and enacts printer security, even while securing mobile devices. That is how to protect your computer from hackers, and it’s a big job, especially for a small or midsized business.

Q: What role does device encryption play in securing your data from hackers?

A: Device encryption protects your data by scrambling the contents of your device into unreadable code that can only be accessed with the correct password or key. This means that even if a hacker gains physical access to your device or intercepts your data, they won’t be able to read or use it without the decryption key. Most modern smartphones and computers offer built-in encryption features that can be enabled in the settings, providing a strong safeguard for sensitive information.

Cyberattacks are time-consuming and expensive. They can impact productivity and profit for years. IT security firms specialize in thwarting cyber threats using professional solutions. Managed cybersecurity providers work with SMBs to help ensure confidential business data is safe. Reach out to us if you are located in the greater New York City area for an assessment, or contact a local IT security provider to assess your cyber risk and design protection for your specific compliance and network protection needs.